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RFK's Vaccine and Dietary Directives and the Future of Public Health

Mina Kim
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Close-up of a person's hand holding an iPhone displaying a social media post from the US Department of Health and Human Services showing the revised Food Pyramid with caption Eat Real Food, above the pantry in a domestic kitchen, Lafayette, California, January 7, 2026. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

Airdate: Monday, January 12 at 10AM

Americans are getting their clearest picture yet of how thoroughly Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is remaking federal public health policy. In a move that’s drawn widespread criticism, the health secretary announced a dramatic reduction in the number of vaccinations recommended for children. In a second initiative — one that’s drawn qualified praise from public health experts — Kennedy unveiled new dietary recommendations that emphasize meat, dairy products and so-called “healthy fats.” We’ll look at these changes in policy and what they may mean for you … and for overall public health.

Guests:

Marcia Brown, food and agriculture reporter, POLITICO

Grace Lee, associate chief medical officer for practice innovation and pediatric infectious diseases physician, Stanford Children’s Health; member, U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP); member, COVID-19 Vaccines Workgroup

Maria Godoy, health correspondent, NPR

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